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Sore when sitting down: Pain in buttocks when sitting: Causes and treatments

Pain in buttocks when sitting: Causes and treatments

A person may experience pain in their buttocks when sitting for many reasons, including, minor injuries and bruises and more severe conditions, such as sciatica and damaged disks.

People spend a lot of time sitting down, and experiencing pain in the buttocks when sitting can cause concern. Pain in this area can be temporary due to a bruise or minor injury, but it can also result from a more serious, long-term condition.

In this article, we discuss possible symptoms and causes of buttock pain, diagnosis, and when a person should seek medical attention.

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause and location of the pain and can include:

  • bruising or discoloration
  • numbness and tingling
  • tingling in the legs
  • a sore tailbone (coccyx)
  • swelling
  • difficulty moving the muscle
  • difficulty moving from a sitting to a standing position

Sometimes, the pain may go away on its own. Other times, medical treatment may be necessary.

There is a variety of reasons a person may experience pain in the buttocks when sitting down.

Conditions that may cause pain in the buttocks include:

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that results from compression or obstruction of the sciatic nerves. These are the two largest nerves in the body. They run from the lower spine, through the buttocks, to the knees.

Compressions due to a disk prolapse or the narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

Sciatica can cause shooting pain, tingling, or numbness anywhere from the buttocks to the legs.

People may find that symptoms worsen when they sit for long periods, move, sneeze, or cough. Sciatica often resolves in 4–6 weeks, but sometimes it can last longer.

Treatment may include:

  • over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • exercises and stretches
  • heat packs
  • physical therapy
  • pain relief injections
  • a procedure to prevent nerves in the back from sending pain signals
  • surgery

Learn more about how sciatica causes buttock pain here.

Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis muscle is a pear-shaped muscle in the buttocks that extends from the base of the spine to the top of the thigh. Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.

According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, symptoms may include:

  • pain in the buttocks
  • pain down the back of the leg or thigh
  • pain when sitting
  • pain when walking up stairs or hills
  • reduced motion of the hip joint

Treatment may include:

  • OTC pain relievers
  • stretches
  • gentle exercise
  • cold and heat therapy

Learn about nerve flossing exercises to relieve pain from sciatica and piriformis syndrome here.

Coccydynia

The coccyx is the last bone at the bottom of the spine, also known as the tailbone. Coccydynia is the medical name for pain in the tailbone. It can occur if a person injures or strains their coccyx or the surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Common causes of coccydynia may include:

  • childbirth
  • an injury or accident, such as a fall
  • repeated or prolonged strain on the coccyx
  • poor posture when sitting
  • having overweight or underweight

Symptoms may include:

  • pain that is dull and achy most of the time
  • occasional sharp pain

People may find that the pain is worse when they sit down, move from sitting to standing, stand for extended periods, or bend down.

Coccydynia can also make having sex painful, and it can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities, such as passing the stool or driving.

Treatment may include:

  • using a doughnut cushion
  • OTC pain relief medicine
  • prescription pain medication
  • injections of anti-inflammatories, such as corticosteroids, or pain relievers into the coccyx or surrounding area
  • surgery, in extreme cases

However, the primary treatment for coccydynia is time. Doctors advise people to manage the symptoms and wait for it to resolve. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to fully heal.

Learn more about treatments for a painful tailbone here.

Bruising

Bruises are patches of discoloration that may appear on a person’s skin after an injury. Bruises happen when tiny blood vessels called capillaries break or burst underneath the skin, creating small amounts of internal bleeding.

Symptoms may include:

  • blue or purple patches on light skin
  • dark purple, brownish, or black patches on darker skin

Learn more about bruises on dark skin here.

Treatment is usually not necessary for bruises but can include:

  • OTC pain relievers
  • a cold compress or ice pack

Bruises usually go away by themselves within a couple of weeks, but people should seek medical attention if a bruise persists. A person should also contact a doctor if they have sudden unexplained bruising, as this could be due to an underlying condition.

Learn more about bone bruises here.

Other causes

Other causes of pain in the buttocks may include:

  • a pilonidal cyst
  • arthritis
  • bursitis
  • muscle strain
  • sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • degenerative disk disease

To diagnose the cause of pain in the buttocks, a doctor will likely carry out a physical examination.

Sometimes, the reasons for the pain are evident. For example, a person has had a fall or experienced another type of injury. However, if there is no obvious reason, a doctor may need to carry out tests.

They may recommend an X-ray to rule out a break or fracture, or an MRI scan or CT scan to help identify other causes of the pain, such as arthritis.

If a doctor cannot make a diagnosis, they may refer the person to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, orthopedic specialist, or physical therapist.

Learn about what to expect during a physical exam here.

There are many things a person can try at home to relieve pain in the buttocks, including:

  • avoiding prolonged sitting
  • moving around and stretching the legs regularly
  • using a doughnut cushion
  • applying hot packs to the lower back
  • applying cold packs to the lower back
  • wearing loose-fitting clothing
  • taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

People can also try stretches or even yoga to try to relieve pain in the buttocks.

Learn about how to stretch out the tailbone here.

People should seek medical advice if:

  • the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks
  • simple home treatments do not relieve the pain
  • the pain is severe

They should also contact a healthcare professional immediately if the pain co-occurs with:

  • bleeding
  • a high temperature
  • pain in other areas than just the buttocks
  • numbness or weakness in the legs
  • difficulty controlling the bowels or bladder
  • sharp stabbing or shooting pain

It could be that the cause of the pain is a fracture or an infection and needs further medical intervention.

Learn more about high temperature and fever here.

A number of factors can cause pain in the buttocks, but most are not a cause for concern.

The pain is usually due to an injury or a fall where a person has landed on their buttocks. People may wish to try some simple home treatments to alleviate the pain.

However, if the pain does not ease over time, people should seek medical attention, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Don’t take back pain sitting down

Some conditions can be aggravated by sitting, so after the initial pain subsides, aim to move more, not less.

Sitting down is supposed to be a way to relax after a long day on your feet. But for many women, sitting for any length of time is painful. It aggravates pain in the back instead of relieving it.

If this sounds like you, the problem could be one of several common conditions, says Dr. Steven J. Atlas, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

One of these conditions is a problem involving one of the discs that act as pads between the vertebrae in your back. In particular, a disc can become herniated, meaning it develops a bulge that can pinch a nearby spinal nerve, causing pain.

“There have been some studies that measured the amount of pressure on the discs,” says Dr. Atlas. “Not surprisingly, the pressure is lowest when you’re lying down.” But there is more pressure on the discs when you’re sitting than when you’re standing. “In fact, if I come into the exam room and a patient is standing, rather than sitting, my suspicion that the person has a disc herniation goes up a lot,” he says.

Disc problems can cause back pain alone, but when the pain moves into the legs, this may be the nerve pain known as sciatica. Sciatica sometimes occurs when a herniated disc pinches one of your sciatic nerves. These are the longest nerves in your body, running from the lower back into each leg. People with sciatica typically report a burning pain that involves the lower back, the leg, and sometimes the foot.

Although the specific reason for back pain often cannot be identified, muscle spasms are probably the most common cause, says Dr. Atlas. While there isn’t proof from medical studies that sitting leads to more spasms, people often report tighter and more painful back muscles with prolonged sitting. A long car ride is a typical example. Sometimes people attribute the pain to the jarring and bouncing around that occurs on the road, but often it’s just pressure from sitting that triggers the problem.

There is one common condition in older women that is eased by sitting. This is a type of arthritis of the lower back called spinal stenosis.

“In cases where the arthritis is severe enough to pinch nerves going to the buttocks and legs, people often report that the pain is better when sitting than standing. This is because when you sit, you bend forward a little bit at the lower back, and this may spread out the arthritic bones enough to relieve the pain temporarily,” says Dr. Atlas. Pain relief may also occur when you lean forward while using a shopping cart or a walker.

When to see a doctor

In most cases, you should be able to manage back pain by yourself. Modify your activity and slowly work toward regaining function, says Dr. Steven J. Atlas, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. However, you should see a doctor if the pain isn’t improving after you’ve modified your activity for a few weeks. (It can take up to four to six weeks to see improvement in sciatica from a herniated disc.) You should see a doctor right away if your pain is extremely severe, if it gets better but comes back, or if it occurs after an injury — such as falling down a flight of stairs, being in a car accident, or slipping on a patch of ice. That’s different from back pain that begins during the course of regular movements, says Dr. Atlas. In other words, if your back starts to hurt when you lean over to tie your shoe, that’s not an injury.

How to relieve the pain

If you’re experiencing back pain when sitting, your impulse may be to lie down and then try to slowly progress back to sitting, says Dr. Atlas. But this is the wrong approach. You should lie down to relieve the pain, but the goal should be not to return to sitting, but rather to regain your ability to stand and move. “The goal isn’t to get into the chair. The goal is to start moving. Walking is better than sitting,” he says. Movement is often the best medicine when it comes to relieving pain.

Treating back pain

If you can’t manage your back pain yourself and opt to see a doctor, it’s likely she or he will order treatments that follow a course similar to what you can do at home.

“There has been a shift away from medical intervention for back pain and an increased emphasis on treatments that don’t focus on medication,” says Dr. Atlas. “There is also an increased appreciation that even medicines such as acetaminophen have risks, particularly in older adults.”

A typical course of treatment starts with activity modification, progressing to exercise. “For patients with severe symptoms, the first line of therapy might be manual treatment, such as massage, chiropractic, or physical therapy,” says Dr. Atlas.

Preventing problems

Movement is the best way to ward off back pain. Regular physical activity can make the back stronger to reduce future episodes of pain. Exercises should focus on increasing strength and improving range of motion — as well as ensuring balance on both sides of the body, as some back pain can start when one side of the body is stronger than the other.

In addition, whenever possible, avoid prolonged sitting. If you sit at a desk in the office all day, get up periodically — at least every 30 minutes — and walk around. Walk to get a drink of water or to pick up your mail. Take breaks throughout the course of the day to prevent future bouts of pain.

A strong back is a healthy back

Some simple exercises (done with the approval of your doctor) can help keep back pain at bay. These exercises build not only strength, but also flexibility. For more tips and exercises to help your back, check out the Harvard Special Health Report Back Pain: Finding solutions for your aching back (/lbp).

Lie on your back with both knees bent. Pull one knee toward your chest and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg. Do this 5 to 10 times with each leg.

Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet on the floor. Pull both knees toward your chest and hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the starting position. Do this 5 to 10 times.

Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet on the floor. Gently flatten your lower back to the floor and hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax. Do this 5 to 10 times.

Lie face down on the floor, your bed, or an exercise mat. Bend your torso upward and rest the weight on your forearms. Gently arch your lower back and hold for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Start on your hands and knees. Lift and straighten one leg, extending it gently backward without lifting it above your body level. Hold the position for 5 seconds. Do this 5 to 10 times with each leg.

Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet on the floor. Gently raise your buttocks off the floor 4 to 6 inches, hold for 5 seconds, and return to the starting position. Do this 5 to 10 times.

Image: LaylaBird/Getty Images

reasons, what to do, treatment of pain in the coccyx

Back pain is a sign of many diseases. For this reason, if discomfort occurs, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, describe the symptoms in as much detail as possible and undergo an examination.

In this article:

If the coccyx hurts, there is a high probability that the problem lies in the state of the musculoskeletal system. However, sometimes discomfort appears due to inflammation of other internal organs.

The coccyx can hurt for several reasons.

The main types of pain in the coccyx

Conventionally, pain is divided into aching, stabbing and sharp. The former are more common with inflammation of the genital organs. Aching pain can occur during menstruation in women. It increases when sitting, but does not limit mobility.

Acute and stabbing pains are characteristic of postoperative injuries, pathology of the rectum, inflammation of the hip joints. However, it is impossible to make a diagnosis only on this basis, since the nature of sensations in patients may vary.

In addition, pain is divided into primary and secondary.

The latter occur due to inflammation or pathology of neighboring organs. Attacks are often accompanied by additional symptoms. With primary pain, the coccyx itself is the source of discomfort. This is observed, for example, with injuries.

Causes of pain in the tailbone

There are many reasons why the tailbone may hurt.

They can be divided into the following categories:

  • traumatic injuries;
  • inflammatory processes;
  • tumors and tumor-like formations;
  • coccygodynia.

Occasional idiopathic pain. Such a diagnosis is made if it was not possible to establish the cause of the discomfort due to the lack of scientific data.

Some of the Causes of Tailbone Pain.

Traumatic injuries

Injuries most often result from sudden impact. For example, when falling on the buttocks. Anyone can get injured, but more often injuries are found in middle-aged and older people.

This is due to the lower resistance of the musculoskeletal system to external influences. Most often, patients are injured in the winter season due to ice.

Injuries to the coccyx may be associated with prolonged but regular exposure. Tissues are injured, for example, during a sedentary lifestyle, which leads to further inflammation.

Persistent constipation can cause pain. Overexertion of the pelvic floor muscles increases the load on the rectum and neighboring organs.

The following types of injuries are most common:

  1. Contusion. When damaged, a person feels a burning or shooting pain. After a few hours, its intensity decreases. Within 1-2 weeks after the injury, the patient may periodically experience arching, pressing or dull pain with any tension on the coccyx area. For example, during a bowel movement, while sitting or standing up. Discomfort is moderate, does not affect the quality of life. When bruised, patients often try to sit sideways to reduce the severity of sensations.
  2. Fracture. The symptoms resemble a bruise, but the discomfort is stronger. Often, patients cannot self-diagnose a fracture. They feel severe sharp pain at the time of injury, but in the future it subsides. The discomfort remains sufficient to limit mobility. Patients slowly bend and turn, try not to sit down, spend more time in a horizontal position. Defecation sharply increases discomfort. When touched, the pain becomes unbearable.
  3. Dislocation. The symptoms are similar to a fracture. At the time of injury, the pain is severe. It is described as piercing, burning or shooting. In the future, the discomfort weakens, but remains quite pronounced. Sensations are aggravated by the load on the damaged area. The injured area is very swollen. It is almost impossible to detect a dislocation on palpation due to the small size of the coccyx and its deep location.
  4. Birth damage. In the process of the birth of a child, the coccyx first moves forward, then back. If the fetus is large, childbirth proceeds rapidly, or the mother has anatomical features, she may be injured. Most often this is a sprain, but there are also dislocations and fractures.

A common feature of most types of injuries is acute pain, which is gradually replaced by less intense pain. In the future, in the absence of treatment and adverse circumstances, damage can provoke the occurrence of chronic processes, the development of complications.

Fracture of the coccyx causes great discomfort.

Inflammatory processes

Most often, inflammatory processes develop as a result of injury or tissue infection. They can affect the coccyx itself or neighboring tissues, proceed chronically or acutely.

In the case of infection, the penetration of pathogens in most cases occurs through the skin. Hematogenous spread of bacteria is less common. Severe pain during inflammation is due to a large number of nerve endings in this area.

Tumors and tumor-like formations

Pain in the coccyx area may appear due to tumors and tumor-like formations. Primary malignant formations in children and adults are rare, more often it is possible to identify the local spread of neoplasia of neighboring organs. However, in most cases it is a benign course.

The following tumors can cause pain:

  1. Benign. This category includes glomus neoplasias, chondromas, lipomas, etc. They do not cause any discomfort for a long time. Pain appears with an increase in formations, is associated mainly with pressure on the nerve endings. Discomfort is mild, but may increase if the tumor has reached a large size. Sometimes in the problem area it is possible to detect a formation during palpation.
  2. Malignant. There are chondro- and osteosarcomas. Sometimes teratomas that previously proceeded benignly become malignant. Tumor processes from neighboring organs and tissues can spread to the coccyx. At first, the pain in patients is diffuse, pulling. Discomfort is intermittent, aggravated at night and with the development of the process. Pains become cutting, baking or jerking. In the last stages, the discomfort is so severe that it prevents a person from sleeping.
  3. Embryonic. Teratomas in the coccyx are formed in utero, often detected at birth. Small formations can go unnoticed, for a long time they do not interfere with a person. If the tumor grows, the patient feels discomfort in the coccyx and sacrum. The pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. With a strong increase in teratoma, it becomes difficult to empty the intestines and bladder. If untreated, there is a possibility of suppuration and fistula formation.

Coccygodynia

Coccygodynia is a collective term used to describe any coccygeal pain. This diagnosis is more often made in women. Among the direct causes of the development of pathology, degenerative changes in tissues, inflammatory processes, poor blood circulation and compression of nerve endings are distinguished. Provoke attacks can, for example, prostatitis in men or stones in the kidneys.

Coccygodynia is more common in women.

Features of the manifestation of painful sensations: localization and symptoms

The leading symptom of coccygodynia is pain in the coccyx area. In the primary form of the pathology, swelling, bruising, local temperature increase, etc. are observed.

The patient’s gait changes. He moves carefully, trying to distribute weight and load so as to minimize discomfort. In the sitting position, the patient leans to the side.

Chronic coccygodynia makes a person nervous and irritable. Against the background of the disease, stress arises, there is a risk of developing depression. The quality of sleep worsens, the patient may wake up in the middle of the night from discomfort. Decreased work capacity. Pathology is often accompanied by increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders and vasospasm.

Secondary coccygodynia is accompanied by symptoms of the underlying pathology. For example, with kidney stones, these are periodic attacks with fever, acute pain, blood in the urine, etc.

With hemorrhoids, the development of coccygodynia can cause frequent constipation. In this case, the list of symptoms is supplemented by the appearance of mucus and blood in the feces, the presence of formations in the rectum and the prolapse of nodes in the later stages.

Depending on the localization, the following types of pain syndrome occur:

  1. In the coccyx. It can occur in both primary and secondary coccygodynia.
  2. Above the coccyx. Appears with inflammation of the nerve endings in the sacral and lumbar spine.
  3. Under the coccyx. It may indicate the prolapse of the perineum, the pathology of the rectum and chronic spinal injuries.
  4. Simultaneous pains in the coccyx, sacrum and lower back. This combination indicates osteochondrosis, sciatica, the presence of tumor formations and other pathologies.

Which doctor to contact in case of pain in the coccyx

In case of coccygeal pain, you should consult a neurologist. Depending on the cause of the discomfort and accompanying symptoms, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedist, traumatologist, gynecologist, urologist, or andrologist for additional examinations.

Center “MedDiagnostics” in Kyiv specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological pathology and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The main advantage of the clinic is experienced doctors. In the case of coccygeal pain, this is a particularly important factor, since specialists must not only relieve inflammation, but also establish the cause of discomfort, which is often difficult to detect.

A patient with pain in the coccyx at a doctor’s appointment.

Diagnosis and examination

First of all, the doctor takes an anamnesis. He interrogates the patient, conducts palpation, assesses the general condition of the applicant. Already at this stage, signs of injury can be detected.

After collecting an anamnesis, the following examinations are carried out:

  1. Radiography. The results show changes in bone structure, damage, trauma, etc.
  2. Ultrasound. Carried out to assess the condition of soft tissues.
  3. Computed and magnetic resonance imaging. Procedures are prescribed to obtain complete information about the soft tissues in difficult cases. For example, with tumor processes.
  4. Rectal examination. In the process, the specialist assesses the condition of the coccyx and its location. At this stage, it is possible to identify the compaction of the ligaments. The procedure is carried out only in the absence of severe pain and suppuration.

The complete list of examinations depends on the clinical picture. If a tumor is present, tissue samples may be taken for histological analysis. If there is a suspicion of a pathology of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, ultrasound is prescribed.

Methods of treatment

The treatment regimen depends on the cause of the pain. Since the list of provoking factors is wide, various methods from physiotherapy to surgical intervention can be included in the course of treatment.

However, in most cases it is sufficient to use medication and follow the doctor’s recommendations. Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed to speed up recovery.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local anesthetics are used to treat coccygodynia. When tissue is infected, an antibiotic is selected.

Muscle relaxants are sometimes prescribed to relieve pain. In case of disruption of the intestines, rectal suppositories and microclysters are used.

Immunostimulators accelerate regenerative processes. To normalize the psycho-emotional state, antidepressants are prescribed. Chondroprotectors improve the general condition of the musculoskeletal system, prevent the development of complications.

Surgical methods are rarely used and only for deep traumatic injuries. For example, with the displacement of the coccyx, the formation of fragments, improper fusion of tissues after a fracture.

The following physiotherapy treatments help relieve pain and prevent new attacks:

  1. Shock wave therapy. Enhances blood circulation and accelerates tissue repair. Eliminates inflammation and spasms, relieves pain.
  2. Massage. Improves blood circulation. Removes stiffness of movements, improves mood.
  3. Plasma therapy. Eliminates inflammation and spasms. It is used to accelerate the restoration of bone tissue.
  4. MLT therapy. Increases blood circulation and slightly reduces the severity of pain.
  5. Electrophoresis. Relieves inflammation and discomfort.
  6. Darsonvalization. Activates blood circulation and relieves spasms by moderately stimulating nerve endings.

In the MedDiagnostics center, examination and treatment are carried out in the same building, which allows you to immediately track the progress of the patient and select the most effective treatment regimen.

Another advantage of this approach is the reduction of the load on the musculoskeletal system and the prevention of temperature fluctuations at the transition between the housings.

Pain in the coccyx. Reasons how to treat

Pain in the coccyx can provoke both its damage, in the bone-cartilaginous part, and the muscular-fibrous environment and its nerve elements. Clinical studies have revealed that the provoking factor that causes pain is the muscle spasm of the pelvic floor, its fibers are attached to the coccyx.

Structure of the coccyx

The coccyx consists of three to five vertebrae connected by cartilaginous plates. In old age, they fuse into one bone. The piriformis and part of the gluteus maximus muscles are attached to the outer parts of the lower sacral and upper coccygeal vertebrae. The coccygeal muscles also lie on the sacrospinous ligament.

Below is the muscle that elevates the anus. These muscles are the structural elements of the pelvic floor. The sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments are partially attached to the anterior walls of the coccyx. At the top of the coccyx, the anal sphincter and the anal-coccygeal tendon are fixed.

The coccyx is connected to the sacrum by an intervertebral disc. The sacrococcygeal junction consists of posterior, longitudinal, and lateral ligaments.

The nerve plexus, which was formed by the plexus of the anterior branches of the fifth sacral and coccygeal nerves, is located in front of the coccyx. The plexus is located on the coccygeal muscle and the sacrospinous ligament. It communicates with the lower parts of the sympathetic nerve trunk, thanks to which the innervation of the pelvic tissues and organs is provided. The anal coccygeal nerves arise from the coccygeal plexus and invert the skin in the coccyx and anus.

Types of pain in the coccyx

Coccygodynia can be:

  • aching;

  • cerebellar;

  • convulsive;

  • with burning.

Pain is deep-seated, extending to the anus, buttocks, sacrum, genitals, lower back and back of the thighs. Please note: pain can be reduced or removed in a standing position. Lying on your back, tilting your body forward, or sitting in a hard chair for a long time can make the pain worse and may get worse when you get up. During menstruation or during sex, discomfort in the coccygeal region may worsen, especially if the patient has suffered severe mechanical damage. There are constipation, difficulty urinating, sexual functions are disturbed. These factors greatly affect the emotional state and can lead to depression.

Causes of pain

Muscle spasm of the pelvic floor occurs as a reflex, a reaction to mechanical damage or pathology of the pelvic organs, as well as as a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine or intervertebral discs. Prolonged spasm provokes secondary changes in the structure of muscles and ligaments – they become denser or shortened (forming fibrosis and contracture). Both spasm and fibrosis stretch the tissues in the coccygeal region. The tension compresses (impairs) the nerve fibers, which leads to pain in the coccyx, which in medical parlance is called “coccygodynia”. Also, pain in the coccyx is implied in pelvic floor muscle syndrome or sacrococcygeal joint syndrome.

As a result of muscle contractions of the lower parts of the pelvic floor on both sides, the coccyx flexes forward, with unilateral muscle contraction, it both bends and goes to the side.

Forward-backward movements are normally only possible within 30 degrees. It is possible to deviate to the side by 1 centimeter. Displacements of this type on x-ray should not be considered as a fracture or dislocation. When spastic tension of the pelvic floor muscles occurs, the coccyx is excessively bent relative to the sacrum, which causes pain. Please note: getting up from a chair can cause pain due to the tension of the gluteus maximus muscles, some of their bundles are attached to the lateral sections of the sacrum and coccyx.

Diagnosis of pain in the coccyx

Correct treatment of patients with coccygodynia begins with the correct diagnosis. As a rule, these are structural and functional changes in the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor, complications after injuries, vertebral osteochondrosis with hernias and protrusions of the intervertebral discs. Pain in the coccyx area is also caused by:

  • pathologies of the rectum and organs and the genitourinary system;

  • mechanical damage, neoplasms, inflammation caused by infection of the sacrum or coccyx.

Patient requires diagnostics including:

  • Collection of information about the patient’s condition, the specialist finds out whether the person suffered injuries, operations or other manipulations of the pelvic cavity and abdomen, the nature of pain in the perineum.

  • Neuroorthopedic examination of the pelvic joints, muscles and ligaments, perineal muscles, gluteal muscles and pelvic floor muscles. The latter are palpated through the rectum.

  • MRI of the coccyx.

  • Delivery of blood and urine tests.

  • Consultation with a urologist, proctologist or gynecologist.

As you can see, pain in the coccyx can be caused by various pathological conditions, the causes of which should be investigated by the doctor.

IMPORTANT! Self-treatment can lead to only a slight weakening of the symptom, but after a while the violation will manifest itself again. Therefore, the symptom cannot be ignored!

The intervention of a specialist is absolutely necessary, who will solve the problem from a professional point of view. Make an appointment with the chiropractor of our clinic, where the doctor will give you a full consultation, tell you about the causes of the symptom in your particular case and offer an effective treatment strategy.

Enroll

Treatment of pain with manual therapy the work of the sacrococcygeal junction and iliac joints. This can be done with the help of a manual therapist. It relaxes the pelvic floor muscles through the rectum. They also undergo a therapeutic blockade of trigger areas. If the patient is concerned about the pathology of the rectum or genitourinary system, the help of a urologist or proctologist is required.

Our center has modern equipment that can be used to perform ultrasound, MRI, all laboratory tests. Patients can maintain their health after therapy with the help of classes in a modern gym for physiotherapy exercises. Trust professionals to take care of you.

References:

  1. Khidiyatov I.I., Kulyapin A.V., Gerasimov M.V. and others. Coccygodynia. Medical Bulletin of Bashkortostan. 2013
  2. Popova I.S., Perov Yu.V., Mikhailov I.A. Chronic pelvic pain in coloproctology – stratification of terminological concepts Modern problems of science and education.